A break-action rifle is the most affordable air rifle in operation. No gas, no cartridges, no compressor — you break the barrel, load a bullet, break back and shoot. Here are ten models we carry, from family guns to the hardest-hitting rifles.
What is a crack rifle?
A breakaway rifle is a spring-operated air rifle that is cocked by bending the barrel down. The movement compresses a spring or gas piston, which releases air pressure when you pull the trigger. It fires one shot at a time, and requires no other power than your arm strength.
Modern models often use a gas piston, also called a gas piston or nitro ram, instead of a coil spring. This provides smoother shooting, less vibration, and longer life — and the rifle can be cocked without weakening.
The ten best crack rifles
1. Weihrauch Mod 95 Luxus 4.5mm
Top-tier German build quality, with a walnut stock, fully adjustable sights and trigger. 24 joules. This is the benchmark by which others are measured — a rifle that will last a lifetime, and hold its value well thereafter.
2. Weihrauch Mod 35 4.5mm
The little brother of the Mod 95. Same German precision and walnut stock, but less detailed and somewhat weaker at 15 joules. If the Mod 95 is a Lamborghini, this is a Mercedes — just as reliable, a little more subdued.
3. Hatsan Mod 135 QE Vortex 4.5mm
The most powerful on the list with 36 joules. Turkish walnut stock, silencer integrated into the barrel and adjustable trigger. Hatsan manufactures everything in its own factory, and it shows in how much rifle you get for your money. In comparison, most bolt-action rifles are 15–24 joules.
4. Hämmerli Hunter Force 1000 Combo
The top model in the Hunter Force series, with a muzzle velocity of 305m/s and a stock made of real beech. Comes with a telescopic sight. Powerful spring guns give noticeable recoil, so use heavy pellets of good quality and check that the screws in the assembly are tight.
5. Snowpeak GR800S Gas Piston 4.5mm
Nitro gas ram instead of coil spring provides smoother power and less vibration than a traditional spring gun. Micro-rifled steel barrel of 450mm, fiber optic sights and thumbhole polymer stock with rubberized butt cap. The most modern mechanics on the list.
6. Snowpeak B11P 4.5mm
The full power version of 24 joules and 305m/s. Fluted steel barrel, thumbhole stock, automatic safety and cocking safety. The receiver has 11mm grooves with integrated sight stop, so the scope mount stays in place during recoil.
7. Hatsan Striker Edge Vortex 4.5mm
Shorter than the Mod 135 and with an ergonomic thumbhole stock, making it easier to handle for younger shooters. Monte Carlo cheek rest, adjustable iron sights and rifled barrel. 24 joules.
8. Retay 125X High Tech 4.5mm
260m/s and 3390g total weight, which makes it quiet and balanced in use. All-weather stock with thumb hole, Truglo fiber sights where the rear sight is adjustable in both height and side, and 11mm rail for binoculars. The muzzle part functions as a cocking lever grip.
9. Snowpeak LB600 4.5mm
Light and simple, with classic spring piston mechanics. 485mm rifled barrel optimized for diabolos, fiber optic sights and synthetic Monte Carlo stock that fits both right and left-handed users. A sensible first rifle.
10. Hatsan Alpha 4.5mm
7.5 joules and 195m/s — the mildest on the list, and on purpose. Low weight and an enlarged barrel grip make it one of the easiest bolt-action rifles to cock. Minimal recoil means beginners won't be intimidated, and trigger technique can develop in peace.
Which one should you choose?
- For children and beginners: Hatsan Alpha or Snowpeak LB600. Easy to cock, low recoil.
- To the family at the cabin: Hatsan Striker Edge Vortex or Snowpeak B11P. Enough power, manageable size.
- For those who want the most power: Hatsan Mod 135 QE Vortex or Hämmerli Hunter Force 1000.
- For those of you who want quality that lasts: Weihrauch Mod 95 or Mod 35.
- For those of you who want to avoid spring maintenance: Snowpeak GR800S with gas piston.
Frequently asked questions about crack guns
What is the difference between a spring-operated and a gas piston?
A spring-operated air rifle uses a compressed coil spring, while a gas piston uses a sealed gas cylinder. Gas pistons provide smoother power, less vibration, and can withstand being cocked without weakening. Spring-operated rifles are, on the other hand, easier to service.
Do I need a permit to buy a 4.5mm assault rifle?
No. Regular 4.5mm air guns are not subject to licensing in Norway and do not require a permit from the police. The age limit for purchase is 18 years.
How many joules should a crack gun have?
For short-range target shooting, 7–10 joules are good. Most versatile break-action rifles are 15–24 joules. Above 30 joules, we are talking about rifles designed for longer distances and more powerful impacts.
Must the shotgun be stored in a gun cabinet?
No. The requirement for an approved safe applies to firearms that require a permit, and regular 4.5mm air guns are not covered. They must still be kept out of reach of children and unauthorized persons.
Which rifle is best for beginners?
A model with low impact energy and light cocking, such as the Hatsan Alpha at 7.5 joules. Low recoil makes it easier to learn good trigger technique before you increase the power.
See our full selection of spring-powered air rifle. Read also different types of air weapons — air rifles, recommended air rifles with good range and What do you need for an air rifle and air pistol?.
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